In-Vehicle Mobile Device Localization for Pointing-Based Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating mobile devices inside vehicles require manual intervention, which can be tedious and cumbersome, and often result in devices being lost due to their movement or placement in hard-to-see locations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising onboard computers, signal generators, and sensors interacts with mobile devices to determine their location and orientation, enabling control of vehicle elements through user interfaces displayed on the devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to locate mobile devices in vehicles, then device location can be determined, but the process becomes tedious and cumbersome requiring significant user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables mobile devices to automatically determine their own location and orientation within the vehicle using onboard sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and vehicle reference points, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The device autonomously calculates its position relative to vehicle features and identifies controllable objects it is pointing at.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical searching and positioning methods with an automated sensor-based system. Instead of physically moving the device to find its location or manually searching for it, the system uses electronic sensors and signal processing to automatically detect and calculate device location and orientation.
2Ease of operation
If manual controls are placed close to the passenger for ease of access, then control operation is simplified, but controls become inaccessible to passengers not sitting near them and may malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows any mobile device within the vehicle to serve as a universal remote control for vehicle features. Instead of dedicated physical controls for each passenger, any device can be used to control windows, doors, or other features by simply pointing it at the target, making the control system universally accessible to all passengers regardless of seating position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the control interface by allowing control through pointing direction in three-dimensional space. Instead of requiring passengers to reach for physical controls within arm's reach, the system enables control from any location in the vehicle by using the device's orientation and pointing direction to identify target features.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automates the process of locating mobile devices within vehicles, allowing for precise positioning and orientation determination, and enabling seamless control of vehicle features without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle includes an onboard computer and one or more signal generators and/or sensors on the interior of the vehicle. The signal generators and/or sensors are configured to interact with other signal generators and/or sensors on a mobile device inside the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, by sensors inside an enclosure of a vehicle, signals generated by signal generators in the enclosure of the vehicle. One of the sensors or signal generators may be part of a mobile device inside the enclosure. The method also includes determining a location and orientation of the mobile device from the signals. The method further includes determining, based on the location and orientation of the mobile device, an object in the enclosure that the mobile device is pointing to. The mobile device further includes transmitting a message to the mobile device in response to determining that the mobile device is pointing to the object, so as to cause the mobile device to display a user interface to allow the mobile device to control the object.